Four games in two states will open the 2025 AFL season beginning in Brisbane

The Brisbane Lions will unfurl their premiership flag with an opening round Gabba clash against Geelong.

Four games across two states will mark the second incarnation of the AFLs Opening Round to begin the 2025 season.

Two games in Queensland and two in NSW, the first on Thursday, March 6, will open the new season before all teams get involved in round 1 the following week.

The AFL is banking on Victorians keen for football to travel north, opening the season on the Labour Day long weekend with 2024 surprise packets Hawthorn and powerhouse clubs Essendon and Collingwood also involved.

Hawthorn will take on Sydney at the SCG on Friday night, March 7, while on Saturday, March 8, the Gold Coast Suns will play Essendon at People First Stadium followed by a Sunday clash between the GWS Giants and Collingwood at Engie Stadium on March 9.

The first full round of the season then begins the following week with the traditional Richmond v Carlton fixture at the MCG on Thursday, March 13.

Under the fixture, which will be released in full this week, all 18 teams will have played the same number of matches by the end of round 4.

“After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in round 1,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon declared.

“Footy is growing exponentially in NSW and Queensland – all four clubs saw more than 10 per cent growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17 per cent this year,” Dillon said.

“We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and NSW a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to create Opening Round and we are thrilled these venues are available to us again for next year.

“Given this Opening Round weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria, it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.

“We continue to strive to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire.”

Opening Round 2025

Thursday, March 6

Brisbane v Geelong at the Gabba, 6.50pm AEST (7.50pm AEDT)

Friday, March 7

Sydney v Hawthorn at the SCG, 7.40pm AEDT

Saturday, March 8

Gold Coast v Essendon at People First Stadium, 4.15pm AEST (5.15pm AEDT)

Sunday, March 9

Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood at Engie Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT